Robert Russin

Art Brokerage: Robert Russin American Artist: b. 1914-2007. Robert Isaiah Russin was an American sculptor, artist and University of Wyoming professor. He was best known for a number of public sculptures throughout the United States, including the "Spirit of Life" fountain sculpture located at the City of Hope National Medical Center in California and a giant bust of Abraham Lincoln, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument, located on I-80 in Wyoming. Russin was known for his public sculptures, by one account numbering more than 400 worldwide. His works include bronze figurative sculptures. Russin struck his hammer and chisel to stone, including marble, for abstract expressions. He won his first major commission in 1938 for two monumental bas-reliefs at the post office in Evanston, Illinois. His sculpting skills garnered increased recognition, including a Ford Foundation Fellowship to work in Italy and study the Renaissance masters. The New York native continued to return to Italy during his life to "work on projects in the marble yards and foundries there." Perhaps his best known work is a massive bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln, called the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument, which was originally dedicated in 1959 at the highest point on the Lincoln Highway in Wyoming. Other roadside art includes his "The Greeting and the Gift" at the visitors' center south of Cheyenne. Listings wanted.